About this Support Category
Occupational therapy can help people develop the skills and strategies they need for daily life. For children and young people, this may include support with sensory processing, fine motor skills, handwriting, coordination, emotional regulation, self-care, school participation or confidence in everyday routines.
Families may look for private occupational therapy where a child needs assessment, therapy, advice for school, sensory support, equipment recommendations or help with daily living skills. Adults may also seek occupational therapy for independence, sensory needs, workplace adjustments, fatigue, coordination or everyday functioning.
Services may include:
- Occupational therapy assessment
- Private occupational therapy for children, young people or adults
- Sensory processing assessment and support
- Support with daily living, self-care, routines and independence
- Fine motor, handwriting, coordination or movement-related support
- Advice for families, schools, workplaces or other professionals where appropriate
When choosing an occupational therapy provider, check their experience, professional registration, age range, therapy approach, fees, availability and whether they offer online, in-person or hybrid support.
Related Support Areas
Finding the Right Occupational Therapy Provider
The right occupational therapy provider will depend on age, support needs, assessment goals, location, availability and whether support is needed at home, online, in clinic, at school or in another setting.
Some providers focus on children’s occupational therapy, sensory processing, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, handwriting, daily living skills or school participation. Others may support adults with independence, work, fatigue, sensory needs or everyday functioning. Families may also need a written report to support school discussions, EHCP evidence, therapy planning or further professional advice.
Before contacting a provider, consider whether you need:
- A child, adult or family-focused occupational therapy service
- An assessment, therapy sessions, advice, reports or school liaison
- Support with sensory processing, motor skills, handwriting, self-care or daily living
- Experience with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, SEND or developmental needs
- Online, in-person, home, school or clinic-based appointments
- Information about fees, waiting times, reports and follow-up support
Find Support UK does not provide clinical advice. Always check provider details directly and consider speaking with a GP, school, health professional or appropriate adviser if you are unsure which support route is suitable.